The Global Environment Facility in MENA

Environmental stress is a serious
concern in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Recent years have witnessed important changes that are
pushing the boundaries of the region's environmental
legacy. The current trends are declining water resources per
capita, shrinking arable land, deteriorating vulnerable
coastal zones and marine resources, rising energy use, and
mounting pollution, particularly in urban areas. This
environmental degradation would imply considerable costs and
significant harm to livelihoods, public finances, and the
economic competitiveness of the region. Recognizing this,
over the past two decades important efforts have been made,
at both national and regional levels, to enhance
environmental management and protection. The World
Bank's partnership with the Global Environment Facility
(GEF) focuses on long-term development founded on uses of
natural capital that are optimized and sustainable. This
MENA knowledge and learning quick note summarizes the two
decades of World Bank GEF-funded work in support of the
environment that has contributed to the MENA region's
environmental, health, and social and economic development,
and points to opportunities for further cooperation in
support of green growth.